Patent Application
20230240412
The present invention relates to bladders for footwear uppers, footwear uppers including the bladders, articles of footwear including the bladders, and/or methods of making and using such bladders, uppers, and/or articles of footwear. In some aspects of this technology, the bladders will include bladder chambers and/or fluid lines configured to move fluid to locations to provide support for a wearer's foot, e.g., an arch support or other foot support.
Aspects of this technology may be used with features of the technology described in any one or more of: (a) U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 63/277,903 filed Nov. 10, 2021; (b) U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 63/277,916 filed Nov. 10, 2021; (c) U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 63/277,932 filed Nov. 10, 2021; (d) U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 63/277,941 filed Nov. 10, 2021; (e) U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 63/286,763 filed Dec. 7, 2021; and (f) U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 63/286,793, filed Dec. 7, 2021. Each of U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 63/277,903, U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 63/277,916, U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 63/277,932, U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 63/277,941, U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 63/286,763, and U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 63/286,793 is entirely incorporated herein by reference.
Conventional articles of athletic footwear include two primary elements, an upper and a sole structure. The upper may provide a covering for the foot that securely receives and positions the foot with respect to the sole structure. In addition, the upper may have a configuration that protects the foot and provides ventilation, thereby cooling the foot and removing perspiration. The sole structure may be secured to a lower surface of the upper and generally is positioned between the foot and any contact surface. In addition to attenuating ground reaction forces and absorbing energy, the sole structure may provide traction and control potentially harmful foot motion, such as over pronation.
The upper forms a void on the interior of the footwear for receiving the foot. The void has the general shape of the foot, and access to the void is provided at an ankle opening. Accordingly, the upper extends over the instep and toe areas of the foot, along the medial and lateral sides of the foot, and around the heel area of the foot. A lacing system often is incorporated into the upper to allow users to selectively change the size of the ankle opening and to permit the user to modify certain dimensions of the upper, particularly girth, to accommodate feet with varying proportions. In addition, the upper may include a tongue that extends under the lacing system to enhance the comfort of the footwear (e.g., to moderate pressure applied to the foot by the laces). The upper also may include a heel counter to limit or control movement of the heel.
This Summary is provided to introduce some general concepts relating to this technology in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the invention.
Aspects of this technology relate to bladders for footwear uppers, footwear uppers including the bladders, articles of footwear including the bladders, and/or methods of making and using such bladders, uppers, and/or articles of footwear, e.g., of the types described and/or claimed below and/or of the types illustrated in the appended drawings. In some aspects of this technology, the bladders will include bladder chambers and/or fluid lines configured to move fluid (e.g., when the footwear is secured to a wearer's foot) to locations to provide support for a wearer's foot, e.g., arch support or other foot support. Such bladders, uppers, and/or articles of footwear may include any one or more structures, parts, features, properties, and/or combination(s) of structures, parts, features, and/or properties of the examples described and/or claimed below and/or of the examples illustrated in the appended drawings.
More specific aspects of this technology relate to bladders, e.g., for inclusion in footwear uppers, that include: (a) a first thermoplastic sheet; (b) a second thermoplastic sheet facing the first thermoplastic sheet; and (c) a continuous outer perimeter seam sealing the first thermoplastic sheet to the second thermoplastic sheet. The first and second thermoplastic sheets may constitute portions of a single sheet of thermoplastic material, e.g., folded over on at least one edge. The continuous outer perimeter seam defines a sealed interior volume between the first thermoplastic sheet and the second thermoplastic sheet. In some examples of this technology, this continuous outer perimeter seam extends continuously to form the sealed interior volume to include: (a) at least one instep chamber located at an instep area of the footwear upper; (b) at least one arch or other foot support chamber; and (c) at least one fluid line connecting the instep chamber(s) with the arch or other foot support chamber(s). Bladders of the types described herein and used in accordance with aspects of this technology may be formed from readily flexible materials (e.g., thermoplastic materials). These bladders can readily change shape under applied forces.
Additionally or alternatively, in some examples of this technology, the continuous outer perimeter seam of the bladder may extend to form the sealed interior volume to include: (i) one or more fluid supply chambers having at least a first major surface formed by the first thermoplastic sheet, (ii) one or more arch or other foot support chambers, and (iii) one or more fluid lines connecting the fluid supply chamber(s) and the one or more arch or other foot support chambers through the sealed interior volume. In use, fluid may move from the fluid supply chamber(s) to at least one arch or other foot support chamber (via at least one fluid line) to increase fluid volume and/or pressure in the arch or other foot support chamber(s). A footwear securing strap or strap system, a shoelace, a pressure plate, etc., may apply force to the fluid supply chamber(s) to induce fluid movement to the arch and/or other foot support chamber(s). The movement of fluid, increased fluid volume, and/or increased fluid pressure provides additional support for the arch or other area(s) of a wearer's foot. The sealed interior volume may contain a fixed mass of fluid. In some examples, the fluid may move in the sealed interior volume without the need of a pump (e.g., without a manual, mechanical, and/or electronic pump device) (“pump-free”) and/or without the need for valves to control fluid flow (“valve-free”).
Additional aspects of this technology relate to footwear uppers incorporating bladders, e.g., of the types described above, to moderate the feel of the footwear securing system and/or to provide arch support and/or other foot support. The footwear upper may include a strap system that applies force to the first major surface of the fluid supply chamber(s) and moves fluid from the fluid supply chamber(s) (e.g., located at an instep area of the footwear upper) to the one or more arch support and/or other foot support chambers. Such bladders, footwear uppers, and articles of footwear may operate to move fluid in a pump-free manner and/or in a valve-free manner.
While aspects of this technology are described in terms of bladders, footwear uppers including such bladders, and articles of footwear including such bladders, additional aspects of this technology relate to methods of making such bladders, footwear uppers, and/or articles of footwear and/or methods of using such bladders, footwear uppers, and/or articles of footwear.
The foregoing Summary, as well as the following Detailed Description, will be better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements in all of the various views in which that reference number appears.
In the following description of various examples of bladders, footwear uppers, and/or articles of footwear according to the present technology, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various example structures and environments in which aspects of this technology may be practiced. It is to be understood that other structures and environments may be utilized and that structural and functional modifications may be made to the specifically described structures, functions, and methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
As noted above, aspects of this technology relate to bladders, footwear uppers including such bladders, and articles of footwear including such bladders, e.g., of the types described and/or claimed below and/or of the types illustrated in the appended drawings. Such bladders, footwear uppers including such bladders, and articles of footwear including such bladders may include any one or more structures, parts, features, properties, and/or combination(s) of structures, parts, features, and/or properties of the examples described and/or claimed below and/or of the examples illustrated in the appended drawings.
This application and/or its claims use the adjectives, e.g., “first,” “second,” “third,” and the like, to identify certain components and/or features relating to this technology. These adjectives are used merely for convenience, e.g., to assist in maintaining a distinction between components and/or features of a specific structure. Use of these adjectives should not be construed as requiring a specific order or arrangement of the components and/or features being discussed. Also, use of these specific adjectives in the specification for a specific structure does not require that the same adjective be used in the claims to refer to the same part (e.g., a component or feature referred to as the “third” in the specification may correspond to any numerical adjective used for that component or feature in the claims).
This application describes footwear components (e.g., upper components (including fabric components), bladder components, sole structures, etc.) that are “bonded” together. The term “bonded” (and derivatives thereof) means that the components are joined securely to one another. The term “bonded” encompasses bonds formed using adhesives or cements (including hot melt adhesives) as well as bonds formed in an “adhesive free” manner, i.e., without use of a separate adhesive component. “Adhesive free” bonds include: bonds formed by fusing or melting components together (e.g., if the components include compositions that are compatible to mix and join together to form a bond, such as two components including thermoplastic polyurethane components); bonds formed by welding techniques (e.g., RF welding, ultrasonic welding, high-frequency welding, laser welding, impulse welding, etc.); bonds formed by heat sealing; etc. Some adhesive free bonds may form a seamless joint between the two previously separate components (e.g., the materials mix and join together and then re-harden at the bonded location with no discernible junction). The term “melt bond” and variations thereof, as used herein, mean bonds formed where localized melting of each component occurs (e.g., melting of the thermoplastic polymer present in each component), the melted components combine together, and then the combined components harden to thereby “fuse” and “bond” the two components together. Such melt bonded joints are adhesive free and may be seamless. The term “engaged with” is used herein as a generic term and includes both adhesive based bonds and adhesive free bonds within its scope as well as other potential types of engagement that fix (permanently or releasably) two (or more) components together in a “non-bonded” manner (including through the use of mechanical connectors or fasteners, through the use of sewing or stitching, etc.). The term “engage” (and variations thereof) also includes within its scope connecting two (or more) parts together in a releasable or relatively movable manner (such as a lace connected or otherwise interacting with one or more lace-engaging components in an article of footwear).
Some more specific aspects or examples of this technology relate to footwear uppers and articles of footwear that include:
When incorporated into a footwear structure, the footwear upper base may be engaged with a sole structure. The sole structure may include a first recess, wherein a first portion of at least one of the first arch support chamber and/or the first fluid line is received in the first recess such that the first portion extends from a first side surface of the footwear upper base to a bottom surface (e.g., a plantar support surface) of the footwear upper base. The first portion remains in open fluid communication through the first recess (so fluid can move between the first instep chamber and the first arch support chamber). The arch supporting bladder system further may include one or more additional instep chambers, one or more additional arch support chambers, and/or one or more additional fluid lines connecting instep chambers and arch support chambers. The sole structure also may include one or more additional recesses that allow portions of the additional fluid line(s) and/or additional arch support chamber(s) to extend to the plantar support surface of the footwear upper base.
Other aspects of this technology relate to footwear uppers that include:
When incorporated into a footwear structure, the footwear upper base may be engaged with a sole structure. The sole structure may include one or more recesses, wherein one or more of the lateral elongated foot support chambers extend through the recess(es), e.g., to a plantar support surface of the footwear upper base and/or one or more of the medial elongated foot support chambers extend through the recess(es), e.g., to the plantar support surface of the footwear upper base. The foot supporting bladder system further may include one or more fluid chambers to provide heel and/or ankle support.
Still other aspects of this technology relate to footwear uppers that include:
The first side elongated bladder chambers and the second side elongated bladder chambers may be in a staggered arrangement on the footwear upper base. In such an arrangement, the second ends of the second side elongated bladder chambers may be located between the second ends of two adjacent first side elongated bladder chambers. When incorporated into a footwear structure, the footwear upper base may be engaged with a sole structure. The sole structure may include one or more recesses, wherein one or more of the first side elongated foot support chambers extend through the recess(es), e.g., to a plantar support surface of the footwear upper base and/or one or more of the second side elongated foot support chambers extend through the recess(es), e.g., to the plantar support surface of the footwear upper base. Such footwear uppers and/or articles of footwear further may include one or more fluid chambers to provide heel and/or ankle support.
When tightened, laces, straps, and/or strap systems provided with footwear uppers according to the above aspects or examples of this technology may apply force to portions of the bladder(s) located in the instep region to move fluid from the instep region to the sides, arch, heel, and/or ankle regions of the footwear. Additionally or alternatively, such movement of fluid may be induced when a wearer bends his/her foot at the instep area, e.g., when taking a step, initiating a jump, landing a jump, etc. Movement of fluid in these manners increases the fluid pressure and/or volume in the sides, arch, heel, and/or ankle regions of the bladder chamber(s) to provide additional support to the wearer's foot. In at least some examples of this technology, the fluid may move within the interconnected bladder chambers without the use of and/or need for a pump (manually operated or powered) to move the fluid and/or without the use of and/or need for valving to control fluid flow.
Additional aspects and examples of this technology include bladders, e.g., for inclusion in footwear uppers, that include the instep chamber(s), arch support or other foot support chamber(s), and/or fluid line(s) of the types described above, those described in more detail below, and/or those illustrated in the figures. Such bladders may be formed from two thermoplastic sheet layers (formed from one or more thermoplastic sheets) that are selectively bonded together (e.g., using heat and pressure) to form a seam defining a sealed interior volume forming the instep chamber(s), arch support or other foot support chamber(s), and/or fluid line(s) as described above and/or described in more detail below.
Further aspects of this technology relate to articles of footwear including bladders and/or footwear uppers of the various types described above and/or described in more detail below. Still additional aspects of this technology relate to methods of making the bladders, footwear uppers, and/or articles of footwear described above and/or described in more detail below.
The term “fluid line” as used herein means any type of connection that will allow fluid to flow from one point to another point. In some more specific examples, a “fluid line” may constitute a tubular type structure, optionally integrally formed with and as part of a bladder structure (e.g., formed from thermoplastic material). Any of the “fluid lines” described herein may have: (a) an axial length (e.g., a length in the direction of fluid flow) within the range of 3 mm to 250 mm (and in some examples, within a range of 4 mm to 200 mm, within a range of 5 mm to 160 mm, or even within a range of 6 mm to 120 mm) and/or (b) a cross sectional area (e.g., transverse to the direction of fluid flow) within the range of 7 mm2 to 320 mm2 (and in some examples within the range of 8 mm2 to 280 mm2, within the range of 9 mm2 to 250 mm2, or even within the range of 10 mm2 to 200 mm2). “Fluid lines” may be linear or curved.
The term “elongated” as used herein in the content of “elongated” bladder chambers and/or “elongated” fluid lines means the component has one dimension (e.g., a length dimension) that is at least 1.5 times greater than its other dimensions (e.g., its width dimension and height dimension). “Elongated” bladder chambers of the types described herein may have a length dimension (e.g., an axial length dimension) that is at least 2 times greater (and in some examples, at least 3 times greater, at least 5 times greater, or even at least 8 times greater) than its other dimensions perpendicular to its length dimension (e.g., its width dimension, its height dimension, its diameter dimension, etc.). “Elongated” bladder chambers and/or fluid lines may have a generally tubular or cylindrical shape (at least within the interior of the chamber and/or within the interior of the fluid line that contains the fluid).
Given the general description of features, examples, aspects, structures, and methods according to examples of this technology provided above, a more detailed description of specific example footwear uppers, bladders, articles of footwear, and methods in accordance with this technology follows.
The footwear upper base 102 may be made from one or more components, e.g., including one or more knit components. The footwear upper base 102 defines a foot-receiving opening 106 that may be formed at least in part from a component 112 formed from a stretchable and/or elastic material that allows insertion and removal of a wearer's foot. The stretchable and/or elastic component 112 of this example extends around the ankle region of the footwear upper base 102 (e.g., completely around the top perimeter of the footwear opening) and includes forward extensions 112L and 112M that extend into and partially define the tongue region of the footwear upper base 102. The stretchable and/or elastic component 112 may have a wide variety of sizes, shapes, arrangements, and/or ornamental appearances from the specific examples shown in
This illustrated example footwear upper base 102 further includes a heel counter component 102H, e.g., to provide additional support for the wearer's heel. The heel counter component 102H may be formed from a rigid plastic material (e.g., a thermoplastic polyurethane material), a leather material, a textile material, or other appropriate material, including heel counter materials known and used in the footwear art. The heel counter arrangement 102H also may vary widely in size, shape, arrangement, and/or ornamental appearance from the specific example shown in
As further shown in
Article of footwear 100 of this example further includes an arch supporting bladder system 200. The bladder system 200 may be engaged with the footwear upper base 102 component(s) in any desired manner. As some more specific examples, the bladder system 200 may be engaged with one or more footwear upper base 102 components at least in part by adhesives. Additionally or alternatively, the bladder system 200 may be engaged with one or more footwear upper base 102 components at least in part by one or more mechanical connectors (e.g., rivets, crimped metal ring connectors, sewn seams, etc. engaged with the seam(s) 200S forming the bladder system 200). Still additionally or alternatively, bladder system 200 may be engaged with one or more footwear upper base 102 components at least in part by: (a) a melt bonded connection (e.g., bonding a thermoplastic material of the bladder system 200 with a thermoplastic material present in a footwear upper base 102 component part (e.g., a knitted part including a thermoplastic component in one or more yarns)), (b) by heat and pressure, (c) by localized melting, (d) by welding techniques (e.g., RF welding, ultrasonic welding, etc.), etc. In some examples of this technology, the bladder system 200 will be engaged with one or more footwear upper base 102 components (including a knit footwear upper base 102 component) at least in part in an adhesive-free manner. U.S. Patent Appln. No. 63/277,916 and U.S. Patent Appln. No. 63/277,932 describe various ways that a bladder system 200 may be bonded to a footwear upper component that may be used in accordance with this technology.
Features of the bladder system 200 of the example article of footwear 100 shown in
Arch supporting bladder systems 200 in accordance with at least some examples of this technology include at least: (i) a first instep chamber engaged with the instep region 102T of the footwear upper base 102, (ii) a first arch support chamber located at the first midfoot side region 102M or 102L of the footwear upper base 102, and (iii) a first fluid line connecting the first instep chamber and the first arch support chamber and placing the first instep chamber in fluid communication with the first arch support chamber. In fact, in the specific example arch supporting bladder system 200 of
Additionally, in this illustrated example, the forward bladder chamber portion 200F includes: (i) a first forward instep chamber 200F1 engaged with the instep region 102T of the footwear upper base 102; (ii) a second forward instep chamber 200F2 engaged with the instep region 102T of the footwear upper base 102 and spaced forward from the first forward instep chamber 200F1; (iii) a first forward arch support chamber 200F4 located at the first midfoot side region 102M of the footwear upper base 102; (iv) a second forward arch support chamber 200F5 located at the first midfoot side region 102M of the footwear upper base 102 and spaced forward from the first forward arch support chamber 200F4; (v) a fluid line 200F3 connecting the first forward instep chamber 200F1 and the first forward arch support chamber 200F4; and (vi) a fluid line 200F6 connecting the second forward instep chamber 200F2 and the second forward arch support chamber 200F5. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the forward bladder chamber portion 200F could include a fluid line connecting the first forward instep chamber 200F1 and the second forward instep chamber 200F2 and/or a fluid line connecting the first forward arch support chamber 200F4 and the second forward arch support chamber 200F5. Still additionally or alternatively, if desired, the rear bladder chamber portion 200R and the forward bladder chamber portion 200F may be placed in fluid communication with one another, e.g., via a fluid line extending between the first rearward instep chamber 200R1 and the first forward instep chamber 200F1, via a fluid line extending between the first rearward instep chamber 200R1 and the first forward arch support chamber 200F4, and/or via a fluid line extending between the first forward instep chamber 200F1 and the first rearward arch support chamber 200R4.
Other fluid line connections are possible without departing from this technology (e.g., with different numbers of fluid lines, sizes of fluid lines, shapes of fluid lines, etc.).
In this illustrated example, the four instep bladder chambers 200F2, 200F1, 200R1, and 200R2 are arranged in a front-to-rear direction on the footwear upper base 102 and on the article of footwear 100. More specifically, the second forward instep chamber 200F2 is located furthest forward (toward the toe area), first forward instep chamber 200F1 is located rearward of second forward instep chamber 200F2, first rearward instep chamber 200R1 is located rearward of first forward instep chamber 200F1, and second rearward instep chamber 200R2 is located rearward of first rearward instep chamber 200R1 (with second rearward instep chamber 200R2 furthest rearward (toward the heel area) in this illustrated example). Two or more of the instep chambers 200R1, 200R2, 200F1, and 200F2 may extend across the instep region 102T in a medial side-to-lateral side direction in substantially parallel directions (the term “substantially parallel” as used herein in this context means parallel or oriented at an angle of 5 degrees or less, e.g., a central axial direction of at least two of the instep chambers 200R1, 200R2, 200F1, and 200F2 extend in a parallel direction or within 5 degrees of parallel). Any one or more of the instep chambers 200R1, 200R2, 200F1, and/or 200F2 may have curved upper and/or lower surfaces in the side-to-side direction to better fit over and onto the top surface of the wearer's foot in the instep area.
Also, in this illustrated example, the four arch support bladder chambers 200F5, 200F4, 200R4, and 200R5 are arranged in a front-to-rear direction on the footwear upper base 102 and on the article of footwear 100. More specifically, the second forward arch support chamber 200F5 is located furthest forward (toward the toe area), first forward arch support chamber 200F4 is located rearward of second forward arch support chamber 200F5, first rearward arch support chamber 200R4 is located rearward of first forward arch support chamber 200F4, and second rearward arch support chamber 200R5 is located rearward of first rearward arch support chamber 200R4 (with second rearward arch support chamber 200R5 furthest rearward (toward the heel area) in this illustrated example). Also, in this illustrated example, each of fluid lines 200F6, 200F3, and 200R7 extending between instep bladder chambers (200F2, 200F1, 200R1, respectively) and the corresponding arch support bladder chambers (200F5, 200F4, 200R4, respectively) extends in a downward and rearward direction such that the arch support bladder chamber (200F5, 200F4, 200R4, respectively) is oriented rearward from its corresponding instep bladder chamber (200F2, 200F1, 200R1, respectively). Two or more of the arch support chambers 200R4, 200R5, 200F4, and 200F5 may extend across the bottom surface 102S in the side-to-side direction in substantially parallel directions (the term “substantially parallel” as used herein in this context means parallel or oriented at an angle of 5 degrees or less, e.g., a central axial direction of at least two of the arch support chambers 200R4, 200R5, 200F4, and 200F5 at the bottom surface 102S extend in a parallel direction or within 5 degrees of parallel).
As described above, the sole structure 104 engaged with the footwear upper base 102 of this example includes at least a first recess 104R in its sidewall 104W. A first portion of at least one of a first arch support chamber and/or a first fluid line is received in the first recess 104R such that this first portion extends from a first side surface of the footwear upper base 102 to its bottom surface 102S. As best shown in
Alternatively, two or more recesses 104R may be provided in the sidewall 104W, and each recess 104R may be sized to accommodate any desired number of arch support chambers and/or fluid lines. The recess(es) 104R allows (allow) the arch support chamber(s) and/or fluid line(s) to “turn the corner” from the side surface 102M of the footwear upper base 102 to its bottom surface 102S without pinching completely closed, e.g., to maintain open fluid communication through bladder system 200 where it extends through the recess(es) (e.g., recess 104R) to the bottom surface 102S.
Alternatively, the strap(s) 152R, 152F of the strap securing system 150 may engage with openings provided in and/or hardware elements mounted to the seam 200S of one or more of the bladders of the bladder system 200 (e.g., the seam 200S of one or more of rearward bladder portion 200R and/or lateral bladder chamber 200L). As another example, at least some (and optionally all) of the rearward bladder portion 200R (e.g., one or more of the first rearward instep chamber 200R1, the second rearward instep chamber 200R2, the fluid line 200R3, the first rearward arch support chamber 200R4, the second rearward arch support chamber 200R5, the fluid line 200R6, and/or the fluid line 200R7) may be combined with the cover plate 152 as a single component part (e.g., with the bladder(s) 200R1, 200R2 mounted beneath the cover plate 152 so force is applied by pressing the bladder(s) 200R1, 200R2 against the wearer's foot when the strap(s) 152F, 152R are tightened). As yet another alternative, if desired, the strap securing system 150 may be replaced with a conventional footwear lacing system in which the laces apply force to the major surface(s) of the rearward bladder portion 200R (e.g., to one or more of rearward instep bladder chambers 200R1, 200R2) and/or to the major surface(s) of the forward bladder portion 200F (e.g., to one or more of forward instep bladder chambers 200F1, 200F2).
With respect to the forward bladder chamber portion 200F in this illustrated example, force applied from bending an instep area of a wearer's foot (e.g., during a step, jump, etc.) causes fluid to flow from first forward instep bladder chamber 200F1 and second forward instep bladder chamber 200F2, through fluid lines 200F3 and 200F6, respectively, and into forward arch support bladder chambers 200F4 and 200F5, respectively. See fluid flow arrows 162. Alternatively, a strap system could be provided for the forward bladder chamber portion 200F, e.g., akin to the strap system 150 described above for rear bladder chamber portion 200R.
In the illustrated example of
No valves, pumps, or other fluid flow control devices are provided in these example bladder portions 200F and 200R. Thus, fluid may flow freely within the interior chambers 200I defined inside the seam 200S. In this manner, when the strap system 150 is released or loosened and/or when the instep bend is relaxed, fluid can return to the instep chamber(s) 200R1, 200R2, 200 F1, 200F2 (e.g., in a reverse direction to fluid flow lines 160, 162). In other words, fluid can freely flow within the bladder portions 200F, 200R to equalize pressure throughout.
While
One difference between the article of footwear 100 of
Additionally or alternatively, at least part (and optionally all) of the forward bladder chamber portion 200F may be located such that a surface of the forward bladder chamber portion 200F (e.g., a surface of any one or more of first forward instep chamber 200F1, second forward instep chamber 200F2, fluid line 200F3, first forward arch support chamber 200F4, second forward arch support chamber 200F5, and/or fluid line 200F6) is located within the foot-receiving chamber of the article of footwear 2000 and/or in contact with the wearer's foot.
While
When some or all of the forward bladder chamber portion 200F and/or some or all of the rearward bladder chamber portion 200R is/are located inside at least one layer of the footwear upper base 102, properties of the footwear upper base 102 (e.g., stretchability, resilience, stiffness, etc.) may be selected to control the direction of displacement of the bladder surface(s) as fluid moves within the bladder system 200. For example, if a layer of the footwear upper base 102 located outside some portion of the bladder system 200 has low stretchability and/or high stiffness, this may cause the bladder system 200 surface(s) to displace inward when fluid volume and/or pressure is increased in a selected area. Additionally or alternatively, if an interior layer of the footwear upper base 102 is made more stretchable, this also may cause the bladder system 200 surface(s) to displace inward when fluid volume and/or pressure is increased in that stretchable area. Such inward displacement can help hold the surface(s) of the bladder system 200 against the wearer's foot thereby providing added support.
As another difference, the second rearward arch support chamber 200R5 from
The article of footwear 2000 of
While
The bladder system 200 of
A fluid line 254 connects instep based bladder chamber portion 200IS (e.g., one or both of lateral instep bladder chamber portion 200IL and medial instep bladder chamber portion 200IM) with arch supporting bladder chamber portion 200AS. In the final footwear structure, fluid line 254 may extend through a recess in a sole structure (e.g., like recesses 104R in midsole component 104M in the examples of
The arch supporting bladder chamber portion 200AS of this example includes a multi-bulbed construction. While any desired arrangement may be used, in the illustrated example, the arch supporting bladder chamber portion 200AS includes three bulbed regions. The first bulbed region 256 includes a first bulb 256A that connects with fluid line 254 and a second bulb 256B in fluid communication with the first bulb 256A. This first bulbed region 256 is the forwardmost arch supporting bulbed region in this illustrated example. First bulbed region 256 connects to a second bulbed region 258, e.g., by a fluid line 260 connecting second bulb 256B of the first bulbed region 256 with a first bulb 258A of the second bulbed region 258. First bulb 258A of the second bulbed region 258 connects with a second bulb 258B of the second bulbed region 258, which provides a free end of the second bulbed region 258. Second bulbed region 258 connects to a third bulbed region 262, e.g., by a fluid line 264 connecting first bulb 258A of the second bulbed region 258 with a first bulb 262A of the third bulbed region 258. First bulb 262A of the third bulbed region 262 connects with a second bulb 262B of the third bulbed region 262, which provides a free end of the third bulbed region 262. Third bulbed region 262 is the rearwardmost arch supporting bulbed region in this illustrated example. Thus, the structure shown in
Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the fluid line 254 could extend to provide fluid to a different location in the arch supporting bladder chamber portion 200AS (e.g., to a different bulbed region, to the second bulbed region 258, and/or to the third bulbed region 262, and/or to multiple bulbed regions, etc.). Still additionally or alternatively, if desired, multiple fluid lines (like 254) may extend from the instep based bladder chamber portion 200IS to one or more locations in the arch supporting bladder chamber portion 200AS.
The footwear upper blank 3000 shown in
In use, a strap system (e.g., one or more straps), a lace system, or other system may apply force to the lateral instep bladder chamber portion 200IL and/or the medial instep bladder chamber portion 200IM, e.g., when the footwear upper base 102 is secured to a wearer's foot. This force moves fluid via fluid line 254 to the arch supporting bladder portion 200AS to provide additional support to the wearer's arch (i.e., increasing fluid volume and/or pressure in one or more of the first bulbed region 256, the second bulbed region 258, and/or the third bulbed region 262). Additionally or alternatively, fluid movement down fluid line 254 to the arch supporting bladder portion 200AS may be induced when the wearer bends his/her foot in the instep region (e.g., during a step or jump). See fluid movement arrows 302. The entire volume 200I of the bladder system 200 inside the seam 200S may be in open fluid communication to facilitate movement of fluid.
In the example of
The arch supporting bladder chamber portion 200AS of this example also differs from the structures described above in conjunction with
Fluid line 254A connects the second elongated arch support chamber portion 400C with the first elongated arch support chamber portion 400B, and fluid line 254B connects the first elongated arch support chamber portion 400B with the base arch support chamber portion 400A. Alternatively, if desired, two or more fluid lines may connect any one or more: (a) the instep bladder chamber portion 200IS with the second elongated arch support chamber portion 400C, (b) the second elongated arch support chamber portion 400C with the first elongated arch support chamber portion 400B, and/or (c) the first elongated arch support chamber portion 400B with the base arch support chamber portion 400A. Any other desired manner of providing fluid communication between the instep based bladder chamber portion 200IS and the arch supporting bladder chamber portion 200AS may be used in other examples of this technology. As some more specific examples, one or more fluid lines may directly connect the instep based bladder chamber portion 200IS with the first elongated arch support chamber portion 400B and/or the base arch support chamber portion 400A.
The footwear upper blank 4000 shown in
While
In the example of
Fluid line 254 connects the outer bladder chamber portion 500B of this example with the arch supporting bladder chamber portion 200AS. The arch supporting bladder chamber portion 200AS of this example also differs from the other structures described above in conjunction with
Alternatively, if desired, two or more fluid lines may connect any one or more: (a) the instep bladder chamber portion 200IS with the elongated arch support chamber portion 510B, (b) the elongated arch support chamber portion 510B with the elongated base arch support chamber portion 510A, and/or (c) the instep bladder chamber portion 200IS with the elongated base arch support chamber portion 510A. Any other desired manner of providing fluid communication between the instep based bladder chamber portion 200IS and the arch supporting bladder chamber portion 200AS may be used in other examples of this technology.
In the example shown in
While
The footwear upper blank 5000 shown in
In use, as a wearer bends his/her foot in the instep region (e.g., when taking a step, initiating a jump, landing a jump, etc.), force is applied to the instep based bladder chamber portion 200IS. See force arrows 520 in
In the examples of
In this illustrated example, the foot support bladder system includes one or more elongated foot support chambers. More specifically, this example foot supporting bladder system includes at least: (i) a first instep chamber (e.g., at least one of inner bladder chamber portion 500A and/or outer bladder chamber portion 500B) engaged with the instep region 102T of the footwear upper base 102, (ii) a first lateral elongated foot support chamber (e.g., one of 600AL to 600EL) extending from the first instep chamber (e.g., from outer bladder chamber portion 500B) down and/or along the lateral side region 102L of the footwear upper base 102, wherein the first lateral elongated foot support chamber (e.g., one of 600AL to 600EL) is in fluid communication with the first instep chamber (e.g., outer bladder chamber portion 500B), and (iii) a first medial elongated foot support chamber (e.g., one of 600AM to 600EM) extending from the first instep chamber (e.g., from outer bladder chamber portion 500B) down and/or along the medial side region 102M of the footwear upper base 102, wherein the first medial elongated foot support chamber (e.g., one of 600AM to 600EM) is in fluid communication with the first instep chamber (e.g., outer bladder chamber portion 500B).
This example foot supporting bladder system further includes a second lateral elongated foot support chamber (e.g., one of 600BL to 600EL) extending from the first instep chamber (e.g., outer bladder chamber portion 500B) and down and/or along the lateral side region 102L of the footwear upper base 102. This second lateral elongated foot support chamber (e.g., one of 600BL to 600EL) is in fluid communication with the first instep chamber (e.g., outer bladder chamber portion 500B). Also, this second lateral elongated foot support chamber (e.g., one of 600BL to 600EL) originates rearward of a corresponding origination location of the first lateral elongated foot support chamber (e.g., one of 600AL to 600DL). The terms “originates” and “origination location” as used herein mean an end of the elongated foot support chamber—e.g., either a free end (600AE to 600EE) thereof or a location where the elongated foot support chamber extends outward from the first instep chamber (e.g., outer bladder chamber portion 500B).
This example foot supporting bladder system further includes a third lateral elongated foot support chamber (e.g., one of 600CL to 600EL) extending from the first instep chamber (e.g., outer bladder chamber portion 500B) and down and/or along the lateral side region 102L of the footwear upper base 102. This third lateral elongated foot support chamber (e.g., one of 600CL to 600EL) is in fluid communication with the first instep chamber (e.g., outer bladder chamber portion 500B). Also, this third lateral elongated foot support chamber (e.g., one of 600CL to 600EL) originates rearward of a corresponding origination location of the second lateral elongated foot support chamber (e.g., 600BL).
This example foot supporting bladder system further includes a fourth lateral elongated foot support chamber (e.g., one of 600DL to 600EL) extending from the first instep chamber (e.g., outer bladder chamber portion 500B) and down and/or along the lateral side region 102L of the footwear upper base 102. This fourth lateral elongated foot support chamber (e.g., one of 600DL to 600EL) is in fluid communication with the first instep chamber (e.g., outer bladder chamber portion 500B). Also, this fourth lateral elongated foot support chamber (e.g., one of 600DL to 600EL) originates rearward of a corresponding origination location of the third lateral elongated foot support chamber (e.g., 600CL).
This example foot supporting bladder system further includes a fifth lateral elongated foot support chamber (e.g., 600EL) extending from the first instep chamber (e.g., outer bladder chamber portion 500B) and down and/or along the lateral side region 102L of the footwear upper base 102. This fifth lateral elongated foot support chamber (e.g., 600EL) is in fluid communication with the first instep chamber (e.g., outer bladder chamber portion 500B).
Also, this fifth lateral elongated foot support chamber (e.g., 600EL) originates rearward of a corresponding origination location of the fourth lateral elongated foot support chamber (e.g., 600DL).
This example foot supporting bladder system further includes a second medial elongated foot support chamber (e.g., one of 600BM to 600EM) extending from the first instep chamber (e.g., outer bladder chamber portion 500B) and down and/or along the medial side region 102M of the footwear upper base 102. This second medial elongated foot support chamber (e.g., one of 600BM to 600EM) is in fluid communication with the first instep chamber (e.g., outer bladder chamber portion 500B). Also, this second medial elongated foot support chamber (e.g., one of 600BM to 600EM) originates rearward of a corresponding origination location of the first medial elongated foot support chamber (e.g., one of 600AM to 600DM). The terms “originates” and “origination location” as used herein mean an end of the elongated foot support chamber—e.g., either a free end (600AF to 600EF) thereof or a location where the elongated foot support chamber extends outward from the first instep chamber (e.g., outer bladder chamber portion 500B).
This example foot supporting bladder system further includes a third medial elongated foot support chamber (e.g., one of 600CM to 600EM) extending from the first instep chamber (e.g., outer bladder chamber portion 500B) and down and/or along the medial side region 102M of the footwear upper base 102. This third medial elongated foot support chamber (e.g., one of 600CM to 600EM) is in fluid communication with the first instep chamber (e.g., outer bladder chamber portion 500B). Also, this third medial elongated foot support chamber (e.g., one of 600CM to 600EM) originates rearward of a corresponding origination location of the second medial elongated foot support chamber (e.g., 600BM).
This example foot supporting bladder system further includes a fourth medial elongated foot support chamber (e.g., one of 600DM to 600EM) extending from the first instep chamber (e.g., outer bladder chamber portion 500B) and down and/or along the medial side region 102M of the footwear upper base 102. This fourth medial elongated foot support chamber (e.g., one of 600DM to 600EM) is in fluid communication with the first instep chamber (e.g., outer bladder chamber portion 500B). Also, this fourth medial elongated foot support chamber (e.g., one of 600DM to 600EM) originates rearward of a corresponding origination location of the third medial elongated foot support chamber (e.g., 600CM).
This example foot supporting bladder system further includes a fifth medial elongated foot support chamber (e.g., 600EM) extending from the first instep chamber (e.g., outer bladder chamber portion 500B) and down and/or along the medial side region 102M of the footwear upper base 102. This fifth medial elongated foot support chamber (e.g., 600EM) is in fluid communication with the first instep chamber (e.g., outer bladder chamber portion 500B). Also, this fifth medial elongated foot support chamber (e.g., 600EM) originates rearward of a corresponding origination location of the fourth medial elongated foot support chamber (e.g., 600DM).
The example bladder system 200 shown in
Further, while
The upper blank 6000 of
While
In the examples shown in
Similarly, in these examples, each medial elongated foot support chamber 600AM to 600FM is in fluid communication with the outer bladder chamber portion 500B. In fact, in these illustrated examples, the entire interior 200I of the bladder assembly 200 is in open fluid communication to allow free transfer of fluid throughout the interior chamber 200I.
In use, as a wearer bends his/her foot in the instep region (e.g., when taking a step, initiating a jump, landing a jump, etc.) and/or as a lace or strap is tightened around a wearer's foot, force is applied to the instep based bladder chamber portion 200IS (e.g., to exterior major surfaces of inner bladder chamber portion 500A and/or outer bladder chamber portion 500B). Such applied force at the instep based bladder chamber portion 200IS moves fluid into and down and/or along the elongated foot support chambers 600AL to 600EL and 600AM to 600EM (or 600FM) and/or to the ankle support bladder region(s) 610MA (when present) and/or fluid lines 612A, 612B (when present). See fluid flow arrows 620 in
The article of footwear 7000 of
The arch supporting bladders (e.g., 700AA to 700AD) could be provided on only a “first side” (one of the medial or lateral sides) of the article of footwear 7000. As shown in
See fluid flow arrows 720 in
As shown in
This example footwear upper blank 8000 and article of footwear 8500 includes a bladder system 200 having a plurality of bladder chambers extending along the footwear upper base 102 to support the wearer's foot. The bladder chambers shown in
The bladder system 200 of
This example bladder system 200 further includes a second elongated bladder chamber 804 spaced rearward from the first elongated bladder chamber 802 on the footwear upper base 102. The second elongated bladder chamber 804 of this example is not in fluid communication with the first elongated bladder chamber 802 (or any other bladder chamber described in more detail below). The second elongated bladder chamber 804 has a first end 804A located in the second side region 102M and a second end 804B located in the instep region 102T or the second side region 102M. Thus, as shown in
The bladder system 200 of
Bladder system 200 of
The bladder system 200 of
Bladder system 200 of
The bladder system 200 of
Bladder system 200 of
The example bladder system 200 of
While not shown in
While not shown in
In the example structure shown in
As noted above, any one or more of the elongated bladder chambers 802-822 may be sized and shaped such that the elongated bladder chamber(s) 802-822 extend to an area beneath the plantar support surface of the footwear upper base 102 and such that its first end 802A-822A is located beneath the plantar support surface of the footwear upper base 102. Thus, these one or more of the elongated bladder chambers 802-822 may extend to a plantar support surface 102S in a manner similar to the structures shown in
In use, as a wearer bends his/her foot in the instep region 102T (e.g., when taking a step, initiating a jump, landing a jump, etc.) and/or as a lace or strap is tightened around a wearer's foot (not shown in
See the example fluid flow arrows 840 shown in
Aspects of this technology are advantageous because the footwear provides additional arch support or other foot support using a simple system. In at least some examples of this technology, the interior bladder chamber 200I will be completely open to allow free movement of fluid under the applied forces. In the completed and inflated upper/article of footwear in accordance with some examples of this technology, no pumps (manually operated or powered), valves, electronics, and/or complicated and/or expensive mechanical/electrical parts are needed to provide the added heel and/or ankle support. Rather, the additional support can be activated simply by tightening the footwear to the wearer's foot and/or using the footwear. Alternatively, if desired, any of these hardware components could be provided. For example, some valving or fluid flow control devices (e.g., baffles) could be provided to slow the return flow of fluid after it moves to the desired support location(s), e.g., to increase the amount of time the foot is supported one the fluid moves.
While
The present invention is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of example structures. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide examples of the various features and concepts related to the invention, not to limit the scope of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.
For the avoidance of doubt, the present application includes at least the subject matter described in the following numbered Clauses:
Clause 1. An article of footwear, comprising:
Clause 2. The article of footwear according to Clause 1, wherein the arch supporting bladder system further includes a second arch support chamber and a second fluid line connecting the first arch support chamber and the second arch support chamber and placing the first arch support chamber in fluid communication with the second arch support chamber.
Clause 3. The article of footwear according to Clause 2, wherein the second arch support chamber extends along the first side surface of the footwear upper base to the bottom surface of the footwear upper base.
Clause 4. The article of footwear according to Clause 2, wherein the second arch support chamber extends around a medial side edge of the footwear upper base to the bottom surface of the footwear upper base.
Clause 5. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 2 to 4, wherein the sole structure includes a second recess, wherein a second portion of the second arch support chamber is received in the second recess such that the second arch support chamber extends from the first side surface of the footwear upper base to the bottom surface of the footwear upper base, and wherein the second arch support chamber is in open fluid communication through the second recess.
Clause 6. The article of footwear according to Clause 2, wherein at least a portion of the second arch support chamber is located below at least a portion of the first arch support chamber on the footwear upper base.
Clause 7. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 2 to 6, wherein the arch supporting bladder system further includes a third arch support chamber and a third fluid line connecting the second arch support chamber and the third arch support chamber and placing the second arch support chamber in fluid communication with the third arch support chamber.
Clause 8. The article of footwear according to Clause 7, wherein at least a portion of the third arch support chamber is located below at least a portion of the second arch support chamber on the footwear upper base.
Clause 9. The article of footwear according to Clause 1 or 2, wherein the arch supporting bladder system further includes a second instep chamber engaged with the instep region of the footwear upper base and a connecting fluid line connecting the second instep chamber and the first instep chamber and placing the second instep chamber in fluid communication with the first instep chamber.
Clause 10. The article of footwear according to Clause 9, wherein the first instep chamber at least partially surrounds an outer perimeter edge of the second instep chamber.
Clause 11. The article of footwear according to Clause 9, wherein the first instep chamber fully surrounds an outer perimeter edge of the second instep chamber.
Clause 12. The article of footwear according to Clause 9, wherein the first instep chamber defines a first central axial direction and the second instep chamber defines a second central axial direction.
Clause 13. The article of footwear according to Clause 12, wherein the first central axial direction and the second central axial direction are substantially parallel.
Clause 14. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 9 to 13, wherein the first instep chamber includes a first free end, and wherein the second instep chamber includes a second free end.
Clause 15. The article of footwear according to Clause 14, wherein at least one of the first free end and the second free end forms a forwardmost extent of the arch supporting bladder system on the footwear upper base.
Clause 16. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 9 to 15, wherein the second instep chamber is a multi-bulbed chamber having a plurality of fluid bulbs in fluid communication with one another.
Clause 17. The article of footwear according to Clause 16, wherein the first instep chamber is a multi-bulbed chamber having a plurality of fluid bulbs in fluid communication with one another, and wherein a single continuous seam separates one bulb of the first instep chamber from one bulb of the second instep chamber.
Clause 18. The article of footwear according to Clause 9, wherein the first instep chamber and the second instep chamber extend in substantially parallel directions.
Clause 19. The article of footwear according to Clause 9 or 18, wherein the first instep chamber is located further forward on the foot upper base than the second instep chamber.
Clause 20. The article of footwear according to Clause 1, wherein the arch supporting bladder system further includes: (i) a second instep chamber engaged with the instep region of the footwear upper base, (ii) a second arch support chamber located at the first midfoot side region of the footwear upper base, and (iii) a second fluid line connecting the second instep chamber and the second arch support chamber and placing the second instep chamber in fluid communication with the second arch support chamber.
Clause 21. The article of footwear according to Clause 20, wherein the second arch support chamber extends around a medial side edge of the footwear upper base to the bottom surface of the footwear upper base.
Clause 22. The article of footwear according to Clause 20, wherein the sole structure includes a second recess, wherein a second portion of at least one of the second arch support chamber or the second fluid line is received in the second recess such that the second portion extends from the first side surface of the footwear upper base to the bottom surface of the footwear upper base, and wherein the second portion is in open fluid communication through the second recess.
Clause 23. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 20 to 22, wherein the arch supporting bladder system further includes: (i) a third instep chamber engaged with the instep region of the footwear upper base, (ii) a third arch support chamber located at the first midfoot side region of the footwear upper base, and (iii) a third fluid line connecting the third instep chamber and the third arch support chamber and placing the third instep chamber in fluid communication with the third arch support chamber.
Clause 24. The article of footwear according to Clause 23, wherein the third arch support chamber extends around a medial side edge of the footwear upper base to the bottom surface of the footwear upper base.
Clause 25. The article of footwear according to Clause 23, wherein the sole structure includes a third recess, wherein a third portion of at least one of the third arch support chamber or the third fluid line is received in the third recess such that the third portion extends from the first side surface of the footwear upper base to the bottom surface of the footwear upper base, and wherein the third portion is in open fluid communication through the third recess.
Clause 26. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 23 to 25, wherein the arch supporting bladder system further includes: (i) a fourth instep chamber engaged with the instep region of the footwear upper base, (ii) a fourth arch support chamber located at the first midfoot side region of the footwear upper base, and (iii) a fourth fluid line connecting the fourth instep chamber and the fourth arch support chamber and placing the fourth instep chamber in fluid communication with the fourth arch support chamber.
Clause 27. The article of footwear according to Clause 26, wherein the fourth arch support chamber extends around a medial side edge of the footwear upper base to the bottom surface of the footwear upper base.
Clause 28. The article of footwear according to Clause 26, wherein the sole structure includes a fourth recess, wherein a fourth portion of at least one of the fourth arch support chamber or the fourth fluid line is received in the fourth recess such that the fourth portion extends from the first side surface of the footwear upper base to the bottom surface of the footwear upper base, and wherein the fourth portion is in open fluid communication through the fourth recess.
Clause 29. A footwear upper, comprising:
Clause 30. The footwear upper according to Clause 29, wherein the arch supporting bladder system further includes a second arch support chamber and a second fluid line connecting the first arch support chamber and the second arch support chamber and placing the first arch support chamber in fluid communication with the second arch support chamber.
Clause 31. The footwear upper according to Clause 30, wherein the second arch support chamber extends around a medial side edge of the footwear upper base to a bottom surface of the footwear upper base.
Clause 32. The footwear upper according to Clause 30, wherein at least a portion of the second arch support chamber is located below at least a portion of the first arch support chamber on the footwear upper base.
Clause 33. The footwear upper according to any one of Clauses 30 to 32, wherein the arch supporting bladder system further includes a third arch support chamber and a third fluid line connecting the second arch support chamber and the third arch support chamber and placing the second arch support chamber in fluid communication with the third arch support chamber.
Clause 34. The footwear upper according to Clause 33, wherein at least a portion of the third arch support chamber is located below at least a portion of the second arch support chamber on the footwear upper base.
Clause 35. The footwear upper according to Clause 29, wherein the arch supporting bladder system further includes: (i) a second instep chamber engaged with the instep region of the footwear upper base, (ii) a second arch support chamber located at the first midfoot side region of the footwear upper base, and (iii) a second fluid line connecting the second instep chamber and the second arch support chamber and placing the second instep chamber in fluid communication with the second arch support chamber.
Clause 36. The footwear upper according to Clause 35, wherein the second arch support chamber extends around a medial side edge of the footwear upper base to a bottom surface of the footwear upper base.
Clause 37. The footwear upper according to Clause 31 or 36, wherein the arch supporting bladder system further includes a third arch support chamber and a third fluid line connecting the second arch support chamber and the third arch support chamber and placing the second arch support chamber in fluid communication with the third arch support chamber.
Clause 38. The footwear upper according to Clause 37, wherein the third arch support chamber extends around a medial side edge of the footwear upper base to a bottom surface of the footwear upper base.
Clause 39. The footwear upper according to Clause 37 or 38, wherein the arch supporting bladder system further includes a fourth arch support chamber and a fourth fluid line connecting the first arch support chamber and the fourth arch support chamber and placing the first arch support chamber in fluid communication with the fourth arch support chamber.
Clause 40. The footwear upper according to Clause 39, wherein the fourth arch support chamber extends around a medial side edge of the footwear upper base to a bottom surface of the footwear upper base.
Clause 41. The footwear upper according to Clause 35 or 36, wherein the arch supporting bladder system further includes: (i) a third instep chamber engaged with the instep region of the footwear upper base, (ii) a third arch support chamber located at the first midfoot side region of the footwear upper base, and (iii) a third fluid line connecting the third instep chamber and the third arch support chamber and placing the third instep chamber in fluid communication with the third arch support chamber.
Clause 42. The footwear upper according to Clause 41, wherein the third arch support chamber extends around a medial side edge of the footwear upper base to a bottom surface of the footwear upper base.
Clause 43. The footwear upper according to Clause 41 or 42, wherein the arch supporting bladder system further includes: (i) a fourth instep chamber engaged with the instep region of the footwear upper base, (ii) a fourth arch support chamber located at the first midfoot side region of the footwear upper base, and (iii) a fourth fluid line connecting the fourth instep chamber and the fourth arch support chamber and placing the fourth instep chamber in fluid communication with the fourth arch support chamber.
Clause 44. The footwear upper according to Clause 43, wherein the fourth arch support chamber extends around a medial side edge of the footwear upper base to a bottom surface of the footwear upper base.
Clause 45. The footwear upper according to Clause 29, wherein the arch supporting bladder system further includes: (i) a second instep chamber engaged with the instep region of the footwear upper base and (ii) a connecting fluid line connecting the first instep chamber and the second instep chamber and placing the first instep chamber in fluid communication with the second instep chamber.
Clause 46. The footwear upper according to Clause 45, wherein the first instep chamber at least partially surrounds an outer perimeter edge of the second instep chamber.
Clause 47. The footwear upper according to Clause 45, wherein the first instep chamber fully surrounds an outer perimeter edge of the second instep chamber.
Clause 48. The footwear upper according to Clause 45, wherein the first instep chamber defines a first central axial direction and the second instep chamber defines a second central axial direction.
Clause 49. The footwear upper according to Clause 48, wherein the first central axial direction and the second central axial direction are substantially parallel.
Clause 50. The footwear upper according to any one of Clauses 45 to 49, wherein the first instep chamber includes a first free end, and wherein the second instep chamber includes a second free end.
Clause 51. The footwear upper according to Clause 50, wherein at least one of the first free end and the second free end forms a forwardmost extent of the arch supporting bladder system on the footwear upper base.
Clause 52. The footwear upper according to any one of Clauses 45 to 51, wherein the second instep chamber is a multi-bulbed chamber having a plurality of fluid bulbs in fluid communication with one another.
Clause 53. The footwear upper according to Clause 52, wherein the first instep chamber is a multi-bulbed chamber having a plurality of fluid bulbs in fluid communication with one another, and wherein a single continuous seam in the arch supporting bladder system separates one bulb of the first instep chamber from one bulb of the second instep chamber.
Clause 54. The footwear upper according to any one of Clauses 29 or 45 to 53, wherein the first instep chamber is a multi-bulbed chamber having a plurality of fluid bulbs in fluid communication with one another.
Clause 55. The footwear upper according to Clause 45, wherein the first instep chamber and the second instep chamber extend in substantially parallel directions.
Clause 56. The footwear upper according to Clause 45 or 55, wherein the first instep chamber is located further forward on the foot upper base than the second instep chamber.
Clause 57. The footwear upper according to any one of Clauses 29 to 56, wherein the first arch support chamber extends around a medial side edge of the footwear upper base to a bottom surface of the footwear upper base.
Clause 58. An article of footwear, comprising:
Clause 59. A footwear upper, comprising:
Clause 60. The footwear upper according to Clause 59, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes a second lateral elongated foot support chamber extending from the first instep chamber and down the lateral side region of the footwear upper base, wherein the second lateral elongated foot support chamber is in fluid communication with the first instep chamber, and wherein the second lateral elongated foot support chamber originates rearward of a corresponding origination location of the first lateral elongated foot support chamber.
Clause 61. The footwear upper according to Clause 60, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes a third lateral elongated foot support chamber extending from the first instep chamber and down the lateral side region of the footwear upper base, wherein the third lateral elongated foot support chamber is in fluid communication with the first instep chamber, and wherein the third lateral elongated foot support chamber originates rearward of a corresponding origination location of the second lateral elongated foot support chamber.
Clause 62. The footwear upper according to Clause 61, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes a fourth lateral elongated foot support chamber extending from the first instep chamber and down the lateral side region of the footwear upper base, wherein the fourth lateral elongated foot support chamber is in fluid communication with the first instep chamber, and wherein the fourth lateral elongated foot support chamber originates rearward of a corresponding origination location of the third lateral elongated foot support chamber.
Clause 63. The footwear upper according to Clause 62, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes a fifth lateral elongated foot support chamber extending from the first instep chamber and down the lateral side region of the footwear upper base, wherein the fifth lateral elongated foot support chamber is in fluid communication with the first instep chamber, and wherein the fifth lateral elongated foot support chamber originates rearward of a corresponding origination location of the fourth lateral elongated foot support chamber.
Clause 64. The footwear upper according to Clause 63, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes a sixth lateral elongated foot support chamber extending from the first instep chamber and rearward along the lateral side region of the footwear upper base, wherein the sixth lateral elongated foot support chamber is in fluid communication with the first instep chamber, and wherein the sixth lateral elongated foot support chamber originates rearward of a corresponding origination location of the fifth lateral elongated foot support chamber.
Clause 65. The footwear upper according to Clause 64, wherein the sixth lateral elongated foot support chamber extends to and is in fluid communication with a lateral ankle support bladder region.
Clause 66. The footwear upper according to Clause 65, wherein the lateral ankle support bladder region includes a lateral base region that is in fluid communication with the fifth lateral elongated foot support chamber and the sixth lateral elongated foot support chamber.
Clause 67. The footwear upper according to Clause 66, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes at least one elongated fluid line that extends from the lateral base region and around a rear heel or ankle region of the footwear upper base.
Clause 68. The footwear upper according to Clause 66, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes two elongated fluid lines that extend from the lateral base region and around a rear heel or ankle region of the footwear upper base.
Clause 69. The footwear upper according to any one of Clauses 59 to 68, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes a second medial elongated foot support chamber extending from the first instep chamber and down the medial side region of the footwear upper base, wherein the second medial elongated foot support chamber is in fluid communication with the first instep chamber, and wherein the second medial elongated foot support chamber originates rearward of a corresponding origination location of the first medial elongated foot support chamber.
Clause 70. The footwear upper according to Clause 69, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes a third medial elongated foot support chamber extending from the first instep chamber and down the medial side region of the footwear upper base, wherein the third medial elongated foot support chamber is in fluid communication with the first instep chamber, and wherein the third medial elongated foot support chamber originates rearward of a corresponding origination location of the second medial elongated foot support chamber.
Clause 71. The footwear upper according to Clause 70, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes a fourth medial elongated foot support chamber extending from the first instep chamber and down the medial side region of the footwear upper base, wherein the fourth medial elongated foot support chamber is in fluid communication with the first instep chamber, and wherein the fourth medial elongated foot support chamber originates rearward of a corresponding origination location of the third medial elongated foot support chamber.
Clause 72. The footwear upper according to Clause 71, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes a fifth medial elongated foot support chamber extending from the first instep chamber and down the medial side region of the footwear upper base, wherein the fifth medial elongated foot support chamber is in fluid communication with the first instep chamber, and wherein the fifth medial elongated foot support chamber originates rearward of a corresponding origination location of the fourth medial elongated foot support chamber.
Clause 73. The footwear upper according to Clause 72, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes a sixth medial elongated foot support chamber extending from the first instep chamber and rearward along the medial side region of the footwear upper base, wherein the sixth medial elongated foot support chamber is in fluid communication with the first instep chamber, and wherein the sixth medial elongated foot support chamber originates rearward of a corresponding origination location of the fifth medial elongated foot support chamber.
Clause 74. The footwear upper according to Clause 73, wherein the sixth medial elongated foot support chamber extends to and is in fluid communication with a medial ankle support bladder region.
Clause 75. The footwear upper according to Clause 74, wherein the medial ankle support bladder region includes a medial base region that is in fluid communication with the fifth medial elongated foot support chamber and the sixth medial elongated foot support chamber.
Clause 76. The footwear upper according to Clause 75, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes at least one elongated fluid line that extends from the medial base region and around a rear heel or ankle region of the footwear upper base.
Clause 77. The footwear upper according to Clause 75, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes two elongated fluid lines that extend from the medial base region and around a rear heel or ankle region of the footwear upper base.
Clause 78. The footwear upper according to Clause 59, wherein the first lateral elongated foot support chamber extends to and is in fluid communication with a lateral ankle support bladder region.
Clause 79. The footwear upper according to Clause 78, wherein the lateral ankle support bladder region includes a lateral base region that is in fluid communication with the first lateral elongated foot support chamber.
Clause 80. The footwear upper according to Clause 79, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes at least one elongated fluid line that extends from the lateral base region and around a rear heel or ankle region of the footwear upper base.
Clause 81. The footwear upper according to Clause 79, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes two elongated fluid lines that extend from the lateral base region and around a rear heel or ankle region of the footwear upper base.
Clause 82. The footwear upper according to any one of Clauses 59, 78, or 79, wherein the first medial elongated foot support chamber extends to and is in fluid communication with a medial ankle support bladder region.
Clause 83. The footwear upper according to Clause 82, wherein the medial ankle support bladder region includes a medial base region that is in fluid communication with the first medial elongated foot support chamber.
Clause 84. The footwear upper according to Clause 83, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes at least one elongated fluid line that extends from the medial base region and around a rear heel or ankle region of the footwear upper base.
Clause 85. The footwear upper according to Clause 83, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes two elongated fluid lines that extend from the medial base region and around a rear heel or ankle region of the footwear upper base.
Clause 86. The footwear upper according to Clause 59, wherein the first lateral elongated foot support chamber extends to and is in fluid communication with a lateral ankle support bladder region, wherein the first medial elongated foot support chamber extends to and is in fluid communication with a medial ankle support bladder region, and wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes at least one elongated fluid line that extends from the lateral ankle support bladder region to the medial ankle support bladder region and around a rear heel or ankle region of the footwear upper base.
Clause 87. The footwear upper according to Clause 86, wherein the lateral ankle support bladder region includes a lateral base region that is in fluid communication with the first lateral elongated foot support chamber, wherein the medial ankle support bladder region includes a medial base region that is in fluid communication with the first medial elongated foot support chamber, and wherein the at least one elongated fluid line extends from the lateral base region to the medial base region.
Clause 88. The footwear upper according to Clause 59, wherein the first lateral elongated foot support chamber extends to and is in fluid communication with a lateral ankle support bladder region, wherein the first medial elongated foot support chamber extends to and is in fluid communication with a medial ankle support bladder region, and wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes two elongated fluid lines that extend from the lateral ankle support bladder region to the medial ankle support bladder region and around a rear heel or ankle region of the footwear upper base.
Clause 89. The footwear upper according to Clause 88, wherein the lateral ankle support bladder region includes a lateral base region that is in fluid communication with the first lateral elongated foot support chamber, wherein the medial ankle support bladder region includes a medial base region that is in fluid communication with the first medial elongated foot support chamber, and wherein the two elongated fluid lines extend from the lateral base region to the medial base region.
Clause 90. The footwear upper according to Clause 59, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes a second lateral elongated foot support chamber extending from the first instep chamber and along the lateral side region of the footwear upper base, wherein the second lateral elongated foot support chamber is in fluid communication with the first instep chamber, wherein the second lateral elongated foot support chamber originates rearward of a corresponding origination location of the first lateral elongated foot support chamber, and wherein the second lateral elongated foot support chamber extends to and is in fluid communication with a lateral ankle support bladder region.
Clause 91. The footwear upper according to Clause 90, wherein the lateral ankle support bladder region includes a lateral base region that is in fluid communication with the first lateral elongated foot support chamber and the second lateral elongated foot support chamber.
Clause 92. The footwear upper according to Clause 91, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes at least one elongated fluid line that extends from the lateral base region and around a rear heel or ankle region of the footwear upper base.
Clause 93. The footwear upper according to Clause 91, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes two elongated fluid lines that extend from the lateral base region and around a rear heel or ankle region of the footwear upper base.
Clause 94. The footwear upper according to any one of Clauses 59 or 90 to 93, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes a second medial elongated foot support chamber extending from the first instep chamber and along the medial side region of the footwear upper base, wherein the second medial elongated foot support chamber is in fluid communication with the first instep chamber, wherein the second medial elongated foot support chamber originates rearward of a corresponding origination location of the first medial elongated foot support chamber, and wherein the second medial elongated foot support chamber extends to and is in fluid communication with a medial ankle support bladder region.
Clause 95. The footwear upper according to Clause 94, wherein the medial ankle support bladder region includes a medial base region that is in fluid communication with the first medial elongated foot support chamber and the second medial elongated foot support chamber.
Clause 96. The footwear upper according to Clause 95, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes at least one elongated fluid line that extends from the medial base region and around a rear heel or ankle region of the footwear upper base.
Clause 97. The footwear upper according to Clause 95, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes two elongated fluid lines that extend from the medial base region and around a rear heel or ankle region of the footwear upper base.
Clause 98. The footwear upper according to Clause 59, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes:
Clause 99. The footwear upper according to Clause 98, wherein the lateral ankle support bladder region includes a lateral base region that is in fluid communication with the second lateral elongated foot support chamber, wherein the medial ankle support bladder region includes a medial base region that is in fluid communication with the second medial elongated foot support chamber, and wherein the at least one elongated fluid line extends from the lateral base region to the medial base region.
Clause 100. The footwear upper according to Clause 59, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes:
Clause 101. The footwear upper according to Clause 100, wherein the lateral ankle support bladder region includes a lateral base region that is in fluid communication with the second lateral elongated foot support chamber, wherein the medial ankle support bladder region includes a medial base region that is in fluid communication with the second medial elongated foot support chamber, and wherein the two elongated fluid line extends from the lateral base region to the medial base region.
Clause 102. The footwear upper according to any one of Clauses 59 to 101, wherein the first instep chamber includes: (a) an inner bladder chamber portion, (b) an outer bladder chamber portion, (c) a first seam separating a first portion of the inner bladder chamber portion from a first portion of the outer bladder chamber portion, and (d) a second seam separating a second portion of the inner bladder chamber portion from a second portion of the outer bladder chamber portion, wherein a first space between the first seam and the second seam provides a first fluid path for fluid exchange between the inner bladder chamber portion and the outer bladder chamber portion.
Clause 103. The footwear upper according to Clause 102, wherein each lateral elongated foot support chamber is in fluid communication with the outer bladder chamber portion.
Clause 104. The footwear upper according to Clause 102 or 103, wherein each medial elongated foot support chamber is in fluid communication with the outer bladder chamber portion.
Clause 105. The footwear upper according to any one of Clauses 102 to 104, wherein a second space between the first seam and the second seam provides a second fluid path for fluid exchange between the inner bladder chamber portion and the outer bladder chamber portion.
Clause 106. The footwear upper according to any one of Clauses 59 to 101, wherein the first instep chamber includes: (a) an inner bladder chamber portion, and (b) an outer bladder chamber portion at least partially surrounding the inner bladder chamber portion, wherein the inner bladder chamber portion and the outer bladder chamber portion are in fluid communication with one another.
Clause 107. The footwear upper according to Clause 106, wherein each lateral elongated foot support chamber is in fluid communication with the outer bladder chamber portion.
Clause 108. The footwear upper according to Clause 106 or 107, wherein each medial elongated foot support chamber is in fluid communication with the outer bladder chamber portion.
Clause 109. An article of footwear, comprising:
Clause 110. An article of footwear, comprising:
Clause 111. The article of footwear according to Clause 110, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes a second lateral elongated foot support chamber extending from the first instep chamber, down the lateral side region of the footwear upper base, and to the plantar support surface, wherein the second lateral elongated foot support chamber is in fluid communication with the first instep chamber, wherein the second lateral elongated foot support chamber originates rearward of a corresponding origination location of the first lateral elongated foot support chamber, and wherein the second lateral elongated foot support chamber extends through the first lateral recess defined in the sole structure or another lateral recess defined in the sole structure.
Clause 112. The article of footwear according to Clause 111, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes a third lateral elongated foot support chamber extending from the first instep chamber, down the lateral side region of the footwear upper base, and to the plantar support surface, wherein the third lateral elongated foot support chamber is in fluid communication with the first instep chamber, wherein the third lateral elongated foot support chamber originates rearward of a corresponding origination location of the second lateral elongated foot support chamber, and wherein the third lateral elongated foot support chamber extends through the first lateral recess defined in the sole structure or through another lateral recess defined in the sole structure.
Clause 113. The article of footwear according to Clause 112, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes a fourth lateral elongated foot support chamber extending from the first instep chamber, down the lateral side region of the footwear upper base, and to the plantar support surface, wherein the fourth lateral elongated foot support chamber is in fluid communication with the first instep chamber, wherein the fourth lateral elongated foot support chamber originates rearward of a corresponding origination location of the third lateral elongated foot support chamber, and wherein the fourth lateral elongated foot support chamber extends through the first lateral recess defined in the sole structure or through another lateral recess defined in the sole structure.
Clause 114. The article of footwear upper according to Clause 113, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes a fifth lateral elongated foot support chamber extending from the first instep chamber, down the lateral side region of the footwear upper base, and to the plantar support surface, wherein the fifth lateral elongated foot support chamber is in fluid communication with the first instep chamber, wherein the fifth lateral elongated foot support chamber originates rearward of a corresponding origination location of the fourth lateral elongated foot support chamber, and wherein the fifth lateral elongated foot support chamber extends through the first lateral recess defined in the sole structure or through another lateral recess defined in the sole structure.
Clause 115. The article of footwear according to Clause 114, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes a sixth lateral elongated foot support chamber extending from the first instep chamber and along the lateral side region of the footwear upper base, wherein the sixth lateral elongated foot support chamber is in fluid communication with the first instep chamber, and wherein the sixth lateral elongated foot support chamber originates rearward of a corresponding origination location of the fifth lateral elongated foot support chamber.
Clause 116. The article of footwear according to Clause 115, wherein the sixth lateral elongated foot support chamber extends to and is in fluid communication with a lateral ankle support bladder region.
Clause 117. The article of footwear according to Clause 116, wherein the lateral ankle support bladder region includes a lateral base region that is in fluid communication with the sixth lateral elongated foot support chamber, and wherein a lateral fluid line connects the fifth lateral elongated foot support chamber with at least one of the lateral base region or the sixth lateral elongated foot support chamber.
Clause 118. The article of footwear according to Clause 117, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes at least one elongated fluid line that extends from the lateral base region and around a rear heel or ankle region of the footwear upper base.
Clause 119. The article of footwear according to Clause 118, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes two elongated fluid lines that extend from the lateral base region and around a rear heel or ankle region of the footwear upper base.
Clause 120. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 110 to 119, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes a second medial elongated foot support chamber extending from the first instep chamber, down the medial side region of the footwear upper base, and to the plantar support surface, wherein the second medial elongated foot support chamber is in fluid communication with the first instep chamber, wherein the second medial elongated foot support chamber originates rearward of a corresponding origination location of the first medial elongated foot support chamber, and wherein the second medial elongated foot support chamber extends through the first medial recess defined in the sole structure or through another medial recess defined in the sole structure.
Clause 121. The article of footwear according to Clause 120, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes a third medial elongated foot support chamber extending from the first instep chamber, down the medial side region of the footwear upper base, and to the plantar support surface, wherein the third medial elongated foot support chamber is in fluid communication with the first instep chamber, wherein the third medial elongated foot support chamber originates rearward of a corresponding origination location of the second medial elongated foot support chamber, and wherein the third medial elongated foot support chamber extends through the first medial recess defined in the sole structure or through another medial recess defined in the sole structure.
Clause 122. The article of footwear according to Clause 121, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes a fourth medial elongated foot support chamber extending from the first instep chamber, down the medial side region of the footwear upper base, and to the plantar support surface, wherein the fourth medial elongated foot support chamber is in fluid communication with the first instep chamber, wherein the fourth medial elongated foot support chamber originates rearward of a corresponding origination location of the third medial elongated foot support chamber, and wherein the fourth medial elongated foot support chamber extends through the first medial recess defined in the sole structure or through another medial recess defined in the sole structure.
Clause 123. The article of footwear according to Clause 122, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes a fifth medial elongated foot support chamber extending from the first instep chamber, down the medial side region of the footwear upper base, and to the plantar support surface, wherein the fifth medial elongated foot support chamber is in fluid communication with the first instep chamber, wherein the fifth medial elongated foot support chamber originates rearward of a corresponding origination location of the fourth medial elongated foot support chamber, and wherein the fifth medial elongated foot support chamber extends through the first medial recess defined in the sole structure or through another medial recess defined in the sole structure.
Clause 124. The article of footwear according to Clause 123, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes a sixth medial elongated foot support chamber extending from the first instep chamber and along the medial side region of the footwear upper base, wherein the sixth medial elongated foot support chamber is in fluid communication with the first instep chamber, and wherein the sixth medial elongated foot support chamber originates rearward of a corresponding origination location of the fifth medial elongated foot support chamber.
Clause 125. The article of footwear according to Clause 124, wherein the sixth medial elongated foot support chamber extends to and is in fluid communication with a medial ankle support bladder region.
Clause 126. The article of footwear according to Clause 125, wherein the medial ankle support bladder region includes a medial base region that is in fluid communication with the sixth medial elongated foot support chamber, and wherein a medial fluid line connects the fifth medial elongated foot support chamber with at least one of the medial base region or the sixth medial elongated foot support chamber.
Clause 127. The article of footwear according to Clause 126, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes at least one elongated fluid line that extends from the medial base region and around a rear heel or ankle region of the footwear upper base.
Clause 128. The article of footwear according to Clause 126, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes two elongated fluid lines that extend from the medial base region and around a rear heel or ankle region of the footwear upper base.
Clause 129. The article of footwear according to Clause 110, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes a second lateral elongated foot support chamber extending from the first instep chamber and along the lateral side region of the footwear upper base, wherein the second lateral elongated foot support chamber is in fluid communication with the first instep chamber, wherein the second lateral elongated foot support chamber originates rearward of a corresponding origination location of the first lateral elongated foot support chamber, and wherein the second lateral elongated foot support chamber extends to and is in fluid communication with a lateral ankle support bladder region.
Clause 130. The article of footwear according to Clause 129, wherein the lateral ankle support bladder region includes a lateral base region, and wherein a lateral fluid line connects the first lateral elongated foot support chamber to at least one of the lateral base region or the second lateral elongated foot support chamber.
Clause 131. The article of footwear according to Clause 130, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes at least one elongated fluid line that extends from the lateral base region and around a rear heel or ankle region of the footwear upper base.
Clause 132. The article of footwear according to Clause 130, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes two elongated fluid lines that extend from the lateral base region and around a rear heel or ankle region of the footwear upper base.
Clause 133. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 110 or 129 to 132, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes a second medial elongated foot support chamber extending from the first instep chamber and along the medial side region of the footwear upper base, wherein the second medial elongated foot support chamber is in fluid communication with the first instep chamber, wherein the second medial elongated foot support chamber originates rearward of a corresponding origination location of the first medial elongated foot support chamber, and wherein the second medial elongated foot support chamber extends to and is in fluid communication with a medial ankle support bladder region.
Clause 134. The article of footwear according to Clause 133, wherein the medial ankle support bladder region includes a medial base region, and wherein a medial fluid line connects the first medial elongated foot support chamber to at least one of the medial base region or the second medial elongated foot support chamber.
Clause 135. The article of footwear according to Clause 134, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes at least one elongated fluid line that extends from the medial base region and around a rear heel or ankle region of the footwear upper base.
Clause 136. The article of footwear according to Clause 134, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes two elongated fluid lines that extend from the medial base region and around a rear heel or ankle region of the footwear upper base.
Clause 137. The article of footwear according to Clause 110, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes:
Clause 138. The article of footwear according to Clause 137, wherein the lateral ankle support bladder region includes a lateral base region that is in fluid communication with the second lateral elongated foot support chamber, wherein the medial ankle support bladder region includes a medial base region that is in fluid communication with the second medial elongated foot support chamber, and wherein the at least one elongated fluid line extends from the lateral base region to the medial base region.
Clause 139. The article of footwear according to Clause 110, wherein the foot supporting bladder system further includes:
Clause 140. The article of footwear according to Clause 139, wherein the lateral ankle support bladder region includes a lateral base region that is in fluid communication with the second lateral elongated foot support chamber, wherein the medial ankle support bladder region includes a medial base region that is in fluid communication with the second medial elongated foot support chamber, and wherein the two elongated fluid line extends from the lateral base region to the medial base region.
Clause 141. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 110 to 140, wherein the first instep chamber includes: (a) an inner bladder chamber portion, (b) an outer bladder chamber portion, (c) a first seam separating a first portion of the inner bladder chamber portion from a first portion of the outer bladder chamber portion, and (d) a second seam separating a second portion of the inner bladder chamber portion from a second portion of the outer bladder chamber portion, wherein a first space between the first seam and the second seam provides a first fluid path for fluid exchange between the inner bladder chamber portion and the outer bladder chamber portion.
Clause 142. The article of footwear according to Clause 141, wherein each lateral elongated foot support chamber originates at the outer bladder chamber portion.
Clause 143. The article of footwear according to Clause 141 or 142, wherein each medial elongated foot support chamber originates at the outer bladder chamber portion.
Clause 144. The article of footwear according to Clause 141, wherein any one or more of the lateral elongated foot support chambers originates at the outer bladder chamber portion.
Clause 145. The article of footwear according to Clause 141 or 144, wherein any one or more of the medial elongated foot support chambers originates at the outer bladder chamber portion.
Clause 146. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 141 to 145, wherein a second space between the first seam and the second seam provides a second fluid path for fluid exchange between the inner bladder chamber portion and the outer bladder chamber portion.
Clause 147. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 110 to 140, wherein the first instep chamber includes: (a) an inner bladder chamber portion, and (b) an outer bladder chamber portion at least partially surrounding the inner bladder chamber portion, wherein the inner bladder chamber portion and the outer bladder chamber portion are in fluid communication with one another.
Clause 148. The article of footwear according to Clause 147, wherein each lateral elongated foot support chamber originates at the outer bladder chamber portion.
Clause 149. The article of footwear according to Clause 147 or 148, wherein each medial elongated foot support chamber originates at the outer bladder chamber portion.
Clause 150. The article of footwear according to Clause 147, wherein any one or more of the lateral elongated foot support chambers originates at the outer bladder chamber portion.
Clause 151. The article of footwear according to Clause 147 or 150, wherein any one or more of the medial elongated foot support chambers originates at the outer bladder chamber portion.
Clause 152. A footwear upper, comprising:
Clause 153. The footwear upper according to Clause 152, further comprising: a third elongated bladder chamber that is not in fluid communication with any of the first elongated bladder chamber or the second elongated bladder chamber, the third elongated bladder chamber having a first end located in the first side region and a second end located in the instep region or the second side region, wherein the third elongated bladder chamber: (a) extends across the front-to-rear centerline of the footwear upper base in the instep region and/or (b) extends from the lateral side to the medial side of the footwear upper base across the instep region.
Clause 154. The footwear upper according to Clause 153, wherein the second end of the second elongated bladder chamber is located between the first elongated bladder chamber and the third elongated bladder chamber.
Clause 155. The footwear upper according to Clause 153, further comprising: a fourth elongated bladder chamber that is not in fluid communication with any of the first elongated bladder chamber, the second elongated bladder chamber, or the third elongated bladder chamber, the fourth elongated bladder chamber having a first end located in the second side region and a second end located in the instep region or the second side region, wherein: (a) the fourth elongated bladder chamber does not extend across the front-to-rear centerline of the footwear upper base and/or (b) all portions of the fourth elongated bladder chamber are located only on the lateral side or only on the medial side of the footwear upper base in the instep region.
Clause 156. The footwear upper according to Clause 155, further comprising: a fifth elongated bladder chamber that is not in fluid communication with any of the first elongated bladder chamber, the second elongated bladder chamber, the third elongated bladder chamber, or the fourth elongated bladder chamber, the fifth elongated bladder chamber having a first end located in the first side region and a second end located in the instep region or the second side region, wherein the fifth elongated bladder chamber: (a) extends across the front-to-rear centerline of the footwear upper base in the instep region and/or (b) extends from the lateral side to the medial side of the footwear upper base across the instep region.
Clause 157. The footwear upper according to Clause 156, wherein the second end of the second elongated bladder chamber is located between the first elongated bladder chamber and the third elongated bladder chamber, and wherein the second end of the fourth elongated bladder chamber is located between the third elongated bladder chamber and the fifth elongated bladder chamber.
Clause 158. The footwear upper according to Clause 156, further comprising: a sixth elongated bladder chamber that is not in fluid communication with any of the first elongated bladder chamber, the second elongated bladder chamber, the third elongated bladder chamber, the fourth elongated bladder chamber, or the fifth elongated bladder chamber, the sixth elongated bladder chamber having a first end located in the second side region and a second end located in the instep region or the second side region, wherein: (a) the sixth elongated bladder chamber does not extend across the front-to-rear centerline of the footwear upper base and/or (b) all portions of the sixth elongated bladder chamber are located only on the lateral side or only on the medial side of the footwear upper base in the instep region.
Clause 159. The footwear upper according to Clause 158, further comprising: a seventh elongated bladder chamber that is not in fluid communication with any of the first elongated bladder chamber, the second elongated bladder chamber, the third elongated bladder chamber, the fourth elongated bladder chamber, the fifth elongated bladder chamber, or the sixth elongated bladder chamber, the seventh elongated bladder chamber having a first end located in the first side region and a second end located in the instep region or the second side region, wherein the seventh elongated bladder chamber: (a) extends across the front-to-rear centerline of the footwear upper base in the instep region and/or (b) extends from the lateral side to the medial side of the footwear upper base across the instep region.
Clause 160. The footwear upper according to Clause 159, wherein the second end of the second elongated bladder chamber is located between the first elongated bladder chamber and the third elongated bladder chamber, wherein the second end of the fourth elongated bladder chamber is located between the third elongated bladder chamber and the fifth elongated bladder chamber, and wherein the second end of the sixth elongated bladder chamber is located between the fifth elongated bladder chamber and the seventh elongated bladder chamber.
Clause 161. The footwear upper according to Clause 159, further comprising: an eighth elongated bladder chamber that is not in fluid communication with any of the first elongated bladder chamber, the second elongated bladder chamber, the third elongated bladder chamber, the fourth elongated bladder chamber, the fifth elongated bladder chamber, the sixth elongated bladder chamber, or the seventh elongated bladder chamber, the eighth elongated bladder chamber having a first end located in the second side region and a second end located in the instep region or the second side region, wherein: (a) the eighth elongated bladder chamber does not extend across the front-to-rear centerline of the footwear upper base and/or (b) all portions of the eighth elongated bladder chamber are located only on the lateral side or only on the medial side of the footwear upper base in the instep region.
Clause 162. The footwear upper according to Clause 161, further comprising: a ninth elongated bladder chamber that is not in fluid communication with any of the first elongated bladder chamber, the second elongated bladder chamber, the third elongated bladder chamber, the fourth elongated bladder chamber, the fifth elongated bladder chamber, the sixth elongated bladder chamber, the seventh elongated bladder chamber, or the eighth elongated bladder chamber, the ninth elongated bladder chamber having a first end located in the first side region and a second end located in the instep region or the second side region, wherein the ninth elongated bladder chamber: (a) extends across the front-to-rear centerline of the footwear upper base in the instep region and/or (b) extends from the lateral side to the medial side of the footwear upper base across the instep region.
Clause 163. The footwear upper according to Clause 162, wherein the second end of the second elongated bladder chamber is located between the first elongated bladder chamber and the third elongated bladder chamber, wherein the second end of the fourth elongated bladder chamber is located between the third elongated bladder chamber and the fifth elongated bladder chamber, wherein the second end of the sixth elongated bladder chamber is located between the fifth elongated bladder chamber and the seventh elongated bladder chamber, and wherein the second end of the eighth elongated bladder chamber is located between the seventh elongated bladder chamber and the ninth elongated bladder chamber.
Clause 164. The footwear upper according to Clause 163, further comprising: a tenth elongated bladder chamber that is not in fluid communication with any of the first elongated bladder chamber, the second elongated bladder chamber, the third elongated bladder chamber, the fourth elongated bladder chamber, the fifth elongated bladder chamber, the sixth elongated bladder chamber, the seventh elongated bladder chamber, or the ninth elongated bladder chamber, the tenth elongated bladder chamber having a first end located in the second side region and a second end located in the instep region or the second side region, wherein: (a) the tenth elongated bladder chamber does not extend across the front-to-rear centerline of the footwear upper base and/or (b) all portions of the tenth elongated bladder chamber are located only on the lateral side or only on the medial side of the footwear upper base in the instep region.
Clause 165. The footwear upper according to any one of Clauses 152 to 164, wherein the second elongated bladder chamber is not in fluid communication with the first elongated bladder chamber.
Clause 166. The footwear upper according to Clause 152, further comprising: a third elongated bladder chamber having a first end located in the first side region and a second end located in the instep region or the second side region, wherein the third elongated bladder chamber: (a) extends across the front-to-rear centerline of the footwear upper base in the instep region and/or (b) extends from the lateral side to the medial side of the footwear upper base across the instep region.
Clause 167. The footwear upper according to Clause 166, wherein the second end of the second elongated bladder chamber is located between the first elongated bladder chamber and the third elongated bladder chamber.
Clause 168. The footwear upper according to Clause 166, further comprising: a fourth elongated bladder chamber having a first end located in the second side region and a second end located in the instep region or the second side region, wherein: (a) the fourth elongated bladder chamber does not extend across the front-to-rear centerline of the footwear upper base and/or (b) all portions of the fourth elongated bladder chamber are located only on the lateral side or only on the medial side of the footwear upper base in the instep region.
Clause 169. The footwear upper according to Clause 168, further comprising: a fifth elongated bladder chamber having a first end located in the first side region and a second end located in the instep region or the second side region, wherein the fifth elongated bladder chamber: (a) extends across the front-to-rear centerline of the footwear upper base in the instep region and/or (b) extends from the lateral side to the medial side of the footwear upper base across the instep region.
Clause 170. The footwear upper according to Clause 169, wherein the second end of the second elongated bladder chamber is located between the first elongated bladder chamber and the third elongated bladder chamber, and wherein the second end of the fourth elongated bladder chamber is located between the third elongated bladder chamber and the fifth elongated bladder chamber.
Clause 171. The footwear upper according to Clause 169, further comprising: a sixth elongated bladder chamber having a first end located in the second side region and a second end located in the instep region or the second side region, wherein: (a) the sixth elongated bladder chamber does not extend across the front-to-rear centerline of the footwear upper base and/or (b) all portions of the sixth elongated bladder chamber are located only on the lateral side or only on the medial side of the footwear upper base in the instep region.
Clause 172. The footwear upper according to Clause 171, further comprising: a seventh elongated bladder chamber having a first end located in the first side region and a second end located in the instep region or the second side region, wherein the seventh elongated bladder chamber: (a) extends across the front-to-rear centerline of the footwear upper base in the instep region and/or (b) extends from the lateral side to the medial side of the footwear upper base across the instep region.
Clause 173. The footwear upper according to Clause 172, wherein the second end of the second elongated bladder chamber is located between the first elongated bladder chamber and the third elongated bladder chamber, wherein the second end of the fourth elongated bladder chamber is located between the third elongated bladder chamber and the fifth elongated bladder chamber, and wherein the second end of the sixth elongated bladder chamber is located between the fifth elongated bladder chamber and the seventh elongated bladder chamber.
Clause 174. The footwear upper according to Clause 172, further comprising: an eighth elongated bladder chamber having a first end located in the second side region and a second end located in the instep region or the second side region, and wherein: (a) the eighth elongated bladder chamber does not extend across the front-to-rear centerline of the footwear upper base and/or (b) all portions of the eighth elongated bladder chamber are located only on the lateral side or only on the medial side of the footwear upper base in the instep region.
Clause 175. The footwear upper according to Clause 174, further comprising: a ninth elongated bladder chamber having a first end located in the first side region and a second end located in the instep region or the second side region, wherein the ninth elongated bladder chamber: (a) extends across the front-to-rear centerline of the footwear upper base in the instep region and/or (b) extends from the lateral side to the medial side of the footwear upper base across the instep region.
Clause 176. The footwear upper according to Clause 175, wherein the second end of the second elongated bladder chamber is located between the first elongated bladder chamber and the third elongated bladder chamber, wherein the second end of the fourth elongated bladder chamber is located between the third elongated bladder chamber and the fifth elongated bladder chamber, wherein the second end of the sixth elongated bladder chamber is located between the fifth elongated bladder chamber and the seventh elongated bladder chamber, and wherein the second end of the eighth elongated bladder chamber is located between the seventh elongated bladder chamber and the ninth elongated bladder chamber.
Clause 177. The footwear upper according to Clause 175, further comprising: a tenth elongated bladder chamber having a first end located in the second side region and a second end located in the instep region or the second side region, wherein: (a) the tenth elongated bladder chamber does not extend across the front-to-rear centerline of the footwear upper base and/or (b) all portions of the tenth elongated bladder chamber are located only on the lateral side or only on the medial side of the footwear upper base in the instep region.
Clause 178. The footwear upper according to Clause 177, further comprising: an eleventh elongated bladder chamber having a first end located in the second side region and a second end located in the instep region or the second side region, wherein the eleventh elongated bladder chamber: (a) extends across the front-to-rear centerline of the footwear upper base in the instep region and/or (b) extends from the lateral side to the medial side of the footwear upper base across the instep region.
Clause 179. The footwear upper according to any one of Clauses 152 to 178, further comprising an ankle support bladder chamber located in the second side region.
Clause 180. The footwear upper according to Clause 179, wherein the ankle support bladder chamber includes a first free end, a second free end, and a substantially C-shaped chamber extending between the first free end and the second free end.
Clause 181. The footwear upper according to Clause 180, further comprising a rearward elongated bladder chamber having a first end located in the first side region and a second end located between the first free end and the second free end of the ankle support bladder chamber.
Clause 182. The footwear upper according to Clause 179, wherein the ankle support bladder chamber is not in fluid communication with any of the elongated bladder chambers.
Clause 183. The footwear upper according to any one of Clauses 152 to 182, wherein the first side region is located at a lateral side of the footwear upper and the second side region is located at a medial side of the footwear upper.
Clause 184. The footwear upper according to any one of Clauses 152 to 182, wherein the first side region is located at a medial side of the footwear upper and the second side region is located at a lateral side of the footwear upper.
Clause 185. An article of footwear, comprising:
Clause 186. The article of footwear according to Clause 185, wherein the footwear upper base further includes a plantar support surface, wherein the sole structure includes a first side recess and a second side recess, wherein the first elongated bladder chamber extends through the first side recess and the first end of the first elongated bladder chamber is located on the plantar support surface, and wherein the second elongated bladder chamber extends through the second side recess and the first end of the second elongated bladder chamber is located on the plantar support surface.
Clause 187. The article of footwear according to Clause 185, wherein the footwear upper base further includes a plantar support surface, wherein the sole structure includes one or more side recesses, wherein each elongated bladder chamber extends through one of the one or more side recesses, and wherein each first end of the elongated bladder chambers is located on the plantar support surface.
Clause 188. The article of footwear according to Clause 185, wherein the footwear upper base further includes a plantar support surface, wherein the sole structure includes one or more side recesses, wherein any one or more of the elongated bladder chambers extend through one of the one or more side recesses, and wherein any one or more of the first ends of the elongated bladder chambers is located on the plantar support surface.
This application is a U.S. Non-Provisional Application based on and claiming priority to (a) U.S. Provisional patent Appln. No. 63/306,327 filed Feb. 3, 2022 and entitled “Bladders, Footwear Uppers Including Bladders, and Articles of Footwear Including Bladders Providing Arch Support or Other Foot Support” and (b) U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 63/306,366 filed Feb. 3, 2022 and entitled “Bladders, Footwear Uppers Including Bladders, and Articles of Footwear Including Bladders Providing Arch Support or Other Foot Support.” Each of U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 63/306,327 and U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 63/306,366 is entirely incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63306327 | Feb 2022 | US | |
| 63306366 | Feb 2022 | US |
